Athlete Spotlight: Sophia Felderman

MANDAN – Sophia Felderman was three-years-old when she first had a tennis racquet in her hand. It’s more like a magic wand now. 

The Mandan high school senior is quite gifted on the court. She’s the defending state singles champion and has her sights set on winning another. That would mark the first time a WDA player has captured two titles. “It’s definitely my goal (to repeat),’’ Felderman said.

She placed fifth in state singles play as a sophomore, facing several players who had given her tough matches up to that point. It was that finish that opened her eyes to what could lay ahead. “I knew there was a good chance I could challenge for a title with more practice.”

So, she went to work, putting in more time and focusing on the small details which can make all the difference on the court. The work paid off last year and the commitment to excellence continues.

The high school tennis season began in early April, but Sophia has been hitting balls and playing matches well before that. She competed in junior team tennis events over the summer as well as working one-on-one with coaches. During the fall she was a student manager on the Mandan boys’ program which allowed her to hit balls regularly during practice. Later in the fall and winter she worked with local tennis coaches and played early morning and afternoon matches against a variety of opponents.

“The time and the number of different opponents that Sophia frequently plays in the offseason has been impressive,’’ said Mandan coach Paul Christen. “Whether it be me, coach Erik Porter or the many successful high school boys and girls from this region, she is willing to play anyone.”

It was those sessions which allowed her to work on different aspects of her game and become a complete player.

It takes just a few moments watching her on the court to see one of her strengths. She is one of the hardest hitters in high school tennis. Her serve and ground strokes have plenty of pace on them. 

“When you can get a lot of velocity on the ball it makes it difficult for players to return it and you can dictate the points,’’ she said. “But you have to be smart about it. You still have to be able to get the balls in.”

The power game wasn’t always a weapon in her arsenal, however.

 “When I first started playing varsity (in seventh grade) I didn’t hit the ball hard,’’ she recalls. “It came later with more confidence, strength and practice.”

During those first few seasons she was often competing against older players with more match experience. Wins were hard to come by and she had to develop mental toughness which is a valued skill on the court.

“She faced a lot of the same challenges that most players that want to climb up the ranks face,’’ Christen said. “That main one is learning to win points instead of waiting for the opponent to lose it. All the top players can rally for a long time, but the best ones learn how to win the points.”

Not only does Sophia have an individual state title to her credit, but a team title. She was part of Mandan’s 2021 state dual championship team that posted an undefeated record. That year was also special because she played alongside her older sister, Elizabeth, who finished runner-up in singles play. Sophia and teammate Breanna Helbling was runner-up in the double division.  “That was a great year for sure,’’ Sophia said. “We were such a close team.”

Next year Sophia will take her talents to the next level. She will attend Minnesota State-Moorhead and play on the Dragons’ women’s team. “I knew the coach a bit and the school is great,’’ she said. “And it’s close to home.”

Competing and succeeding at the college level won’t come easy. Many come in as established players with plenty of past success and sound fundamentals. “I know it’s going to be a big step up,’’ she said. “I’m going to have to make quicker decisions the court.”

Christen said one of the biggest challenges going from high school to the college game is being able to recognize when the other play gives you an opening to be on offense. Players are so good that the number of opportunities is few and you need to capitalize on them when they are presented.

“I think Sophia will see success because she has developed an all-around game,’’ he said. “She isn’t just a great singles player. Her aggressive style suits doubles really well and I think her doubles game will grow tremendously when she gets the opportunity to consistently play with players at, or above her skill level.”

The tennis season is a short one and Felderman is cherishing the opportunities and be part of her team for one final spring. 

“It’s amazing how fast time has gone,’’ she said.